What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained skin blistering or sensitivity to sunlight, abdominal pain, or nerve-related symptoms like tingling or weakness. It helps identify porphyria, a group of disorders where the body builds up too many porphyrins, which are compounds involved in making the substance that carries oxygen in your blood. If you have a family history of porphyria or symptoms that flare up unpredictably, this test can help figure out what's going on.

What's included in this test?

This test measures several different types of porphyrins in a 24-hour urine collection, since each type can point to a different form of porphyria. Looking at the full pattern of porphyrin levels, rather than just one number, helps distinguish between conditions like porphyria cutanea tarda, hereditary coproporphyria, and variegate porphyria. This detailed breakdown gives a clearer picture than a single urine test could.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each porphyrin type explained and its normal range so you can see exactly where you stand. If any levels are outside the expected range, the report will explain what that might mean and whether retesting or further evaluation makes sense. You can download the full lab report anytime from your account, and if you test again in the future, the trends feature lets you track changes in your levels over time. If a result comes back significantly abnormal along with severe symptoms, seek medical care right away.

How can I naturally support healthy porphyrin levels?

Avoiding known triggers is one of the most effective natural steps, including excess alcohol, certain medications, crash dieting, and unnecessary sun exposure if you have skin symptoms. Eating regular, balanced meals helps keep your body's heme production steady, since fasting and low-carb diets can sometimes worsen porphyrin buildup. Staying well hydrated and managing stress can also help reduce flare-ups. These lifestyle habits won't cure an underlying porphyria disorder, but they can help reduce symptom episodes.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days after the lab receives your 24-hour urine sample. Because this test requires collecting urine over a full day, the turnaround clock starts once your complete sample reaches the lab. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are available in your account.

Who should consider this test?

People with recurring unexplained abdominal pain, skin blistering or fragility after sun exposure, or nerve symptoms like tingling and muscle weakness may want to consider this test. It's also useful for those with a family history of porphyria, since these conditions can run in families. If previous basic testing hasn't explained your symptoms, this more detailed panel can help narrow things down.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include reddish or brown-tinted urine, skin that blisters or becomes fragile in sunlight, severe abdominal pain, nausea, and neurological symptoms like numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. Some people also notice mood changes or confusion during flare-ups. If these symptoms come and go or seem triggered by certain foods, alcohol, or medications, that pattern can be a clue pointing toward porphyria.

What is porphyria and why does it matter?

Porphyria refers to a group of disorders where the body has trouble making heme, a key part of the protein that carries oxygen in your blood. When this process is disrupted, porphyrins and related substances build up in the body and can cause skin damage, nerve problems, or abdominal pain. Catching it early matters because avoiding triggers and managing symptoms can significantly reduce how often flare-ups happen.

What causes high porphyrin levels?

High porphyrin levels can be caused by inherited genetic conditions that affect heme production, but they can also be triggered or worsened by things like alcohol use, certain medications, hormonal changes, smoking, and low-calorie diets. Liver problems and excess iron in the body can also raise porphyrin levels. Identifying and avoiding your specific triggers is often a key part of managing symptoms.

How often should I retest?

If your results are normal but you still have symptoms, your results explanation may suggest retesting during a flare-up, since porphyrin levels can be much higher when symptoms are active. If you've been diagnosed with a porphyria condition, periodic retesting can help you and track how well trigger-avoidance and lifestyle changes are working. Retesting frequency really depends on your individual symptom pattern, so following the guidance in your report is the best approach.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Porphyria Urine Test - 24-Hour Porphyrin Panel

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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